Teemu Tribute Night; Devils all-in with analytics; Mason breaks finger (Puck Headlines)
Here are your Puck Headlines: A glorious collection of news and views collected from the greatest blogosphere in sports and the few, the proud, the mainstream hockey media.
• Had to know this was coming now that the Finnish Flash has hung up the skates (in the NHL). Teemu Selanne will be the first Anaheim Duck to have his number retired when the Winnipeg Jets (the team that drafted him) comes to So Cal on January 11th. [Anaheim Ducks]
• The Devils have hired former professional poker player Sunny Mehta to head their new hockey analytics department. The Lou Abides. [Fire & Ice]
• Seattle investors are anxiously awaiting the Environmental Impact Study relating to building a new arena. The oft-delayed results are expected to be available in November 2014. [King 5]
• Flyers goaltender Steve Mason has broken his pinky finger. He will be off the ice for at least two weeks, and will continue to train while his finger heals. [Philadelphia Flyers]
• MLB has a uniform system by which all prospects are graded. The NHL does not; however, it could easily develop one. [Litter Box Cats]
• Really interesting analysis predicting the success of a head coach or a GM based on how they came to their current position (promoted from within vs. experienced outsiders). [Russian Machine Never Breaks]
• NHL 15 has an awesome new feature called 'Vision A.I.'. From EA Sports: "Players now have an elevated level of player intelligence. Vision A.I. features evolved awareness with players reading and reacting to potential plays. Scoring area recognition, pass anticipation, and enhanced team breakouts all improve the flow of the game." [Operation Sports]
• "What’s not ‘just part of hockey’ is the recent trend of vicious, malicious hits perpetrated over the last 2 seasons ... They aren’t plays gone wrong, bad angles, or a misjudgment of ice position. Instead, they are deliberate attempts to injure another player." [Ice Nation UK]
• Senators assistant general manager Pierre Dorion chats about Robin Lehner's contract extension, Craig Anderson's status, rumors of money woes in the organization, and other fun tidbits on the upcoming Ottawa season. [The 6th Sens]
• Aside from having one of the best action hero (and/or anchorman) names in the NHL, Brock Nelson has the size and skill that could help him find his way on to the Islanders top line next season. [Islanders Point Break]
• The Jets have holes in their lineup that could be filled by free agents. As the free agent list continues to shrink, the Jets are sitting idly by. [Jets Nation]
• Seriously, after getting off to a good start during free agency, the Jets are now just 'spinning their tires'. [Arctic Ice Hockey]
• Exit interviews - Marian Hossa. A player who displays how the game should be played. [Committed Indian]
• "At this point, I know my role and the job fairly well," Shawn Thornton told South Florida media members Thursday. "Dale [Tallon] didn't need to stress it too much to me. We've known each other for a long time and I think he knows how self-aware I am, if I'm self-aware at all, and what he needs to tell me ..." [NHL]
• Three fantasy sleeper picks from the Wild Wild West (I hope you have that terrible Will Smith song stuck in your head now.) [Dobber Hockey]
• Breaking down Alec Martinez's WCF overtime game-winner against Chicago. [Jewels from the Crown]
• Nolan Patrick, son of former NHL'er Steve Patrick, is following in dad's skate strides by playing for the same junior team, the Brandon Wheat Kings. The younger Patrick hopes to continue to be like his dad and be a first round draft pick one day. [Buzzing the Net]
• Did you know Paul McCartney reps the Red Wings every time he plays 'Yesterday'? Yes, THAT Paul McCartney. [M Live]
